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Roly Poly Steiff Leads Costume, Accessories and Textiles Sale

14th February 2022.

A rare Steiff ‘Roly Poly’ teddy bear rolled to success when it sold for £2,500 (plus buyer’s premium) in Tennants Auctioneers’ Costume, Accessories and Textiles Sale on 12^th February. Offered with an estimate of £600-800 plus buyer’s premium, the yellow mohair bear attracted bidders from around the world before selling to a buyer in the North of England. The bear was made in the early 20^th century and had a rattle inside and a quirky, characterful expression. Steiff introduced ‘Roly Poly’ toys to their line up in the 1909 catalogue, marketed as ‘Toys for Tiny Tots’ with figures including a farmer, cats and rabbits. The teddy was listed as coming in four sizes, 7, 8, 10 and 14 inches, however, smaller 5 1/4-inch versions such as this example are known.

Also selling well above estimate was an Early 20^th Century Louis Vuitton Trunk, covered in the distinctive LV monogrammed canvas. Estimated to sell for £700-900, the trunk reached a hammer price of £2,500, demonstrating the continued demand for vintage Louis Vuitton luggage.

A Steiff ‘Roly Poly’ Early 20th Century Teddy Bear
An early 20th century Louis Vuitton trunk
A pair of Lady's mid 18th century shoes
A pair of Lady's late 18th century silk shoes
An 18th century cream silk skirt
Part of a lot of 1950s cotton day dresses
Part of a lot of 1970s and later evening dresses
A Victorian Model of a House decorated with velvet and seashells
An early 19th century carved tortoiseshell fan
A 19th century Silk Patchwork Bed Cover

Amongst the antique costume in the sale were two pairs of Lady’s silk shoes from the 18^th century, which sold for £2,000 and £900, and an 18^th century cream silk skirt woven with trailing flowers, which sold for £650. Vintage costume saw high demand, too, with 1950s cotton day dresses continuing to sell well above estimate. Highlights of the vintage costume section included a lot of 12 assorted 1950s printed cotton day dresses that sold for £650, and a lot of 20 1970s and later vintage evening and day dresses by the likes of Jean Varon and Horrockes that sold for £550.

Further highlights of the sale included a Victorian model of a house, decorated in velvet and shells, which sold for £800, an early 19^th century Chinese carved tortoiseshell fan, which sold for £850, and a vibrant 19^th century silk patchwork bed cover decorated in a tumbling block design, which sold for £800.

The sale achieved a total hammer prices of £57,870 for the 258 lots, and a 94 % sold rate.

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